FG Targets Five Million Free Spectacles, 25,000 Cataract Surgeries Under Jigi-Bola Expansion
ABUJA – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality eye care services across Nigeria, unveiling plans to extend the Jigi-Bola Initiative to reach at least five million Nigerians with free spectacles and provide 25,000 free cataract surgeries by the end of 2027.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced the expansion while declaring open the 49th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and the Annual General Meeting of the African Council of Optometry (AFCO) in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Optometrists in a Changing Africa: From Diversity to Unity,” Dr. Salako described it as a timely call for stronger collaboration among eye care professionals across Africa to build resilient and inclusive health systems capable of addressing the continent’s growing eye health challenges.
The Minister said eye health has become a key priority under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the Federal Government is implementing deliberate policies and investments to strengthen primary eye care services and reduce avoidable blindness.
He highlighted major achievements under the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024–2028), including the integration of eye care services across all levels of healthcare, the launch of the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit to standardise diagnosis, treatment and referral protocols, and the training of ophthalmologists from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to improve glaucoma management nationwide.
Dr. Salako also disclosed that under the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative, popularly known as Jigi-Bola 2.0, more than 2,220 Primary Health Care workers across 16 states have been trained and equipped to conduct vision screening and refer patients for specialised care.
According to him, the programme has already screened nearly two million Nigerians and distributed more than 1.3 million free reading glasses, with approximately 66 per cent of beneficiaries receiving spectacles for the first time.
He said the initiative is now being expanded through the Renewed Hope Health Connect Programme, which aims to provide at least five million free spectacles and perform 25,000 free cataract surgeries nationwide by the end of 2027.
The Minister stressed that investment in eye care delivers significant social and economic returns by improving education, boosting productivity, reducing healthcare costs and promoting social inclusion.
“Studies have shown that for every one dollar invested in global eye care, there is a return of between 28 and 36 dollars through the prevention of vision loss, improved quality of life, reduced burden on the healthcare system and increased productivity,” he said.
Commending Nigerian optometrists for their contributions to community eye health, Dr. Salako described them as the frontline of vision care, playing a critical role in bridging the gap between primary screening and specialised treatment.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Optometric Association to expand community-based eye care programmes, promote research and integrate optometric services more effectively into Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The Minister also congratulated the Nigerian Optometric Association for securing the headquarters of the African Council of Optometry in Nigeria and producing the President-elect of the continental body, describing both achievements as significant milestones for Nigeria’s eye care profession.
He urged optometrists to continue promoting professional excellence, mentoring younger practitioners and partnering with government to achieve universal access to quality eye care services.
Declaring the conference open, Dr. Salako expressed confidence that the gathering would produce practical solutions to address existing gaps in the prevention and treatment of vision loss across Nigeria and the African continent.
